Picture your Saturday afternoon: Irish step dancers sharing a stage with a Mariachi band, Indian classical dance a few acts away from a Czech folk ensemble, and international food vendors lining the paths of Central Park, all steps from the Riverwalk. That's what the Naperville Sister Cities Foundation is building for Saturday, Sept. 12.
The foundation's first-ever Naperville International Festival runs noon to 9 p.m. in Central Park, and admission is free.
The event grows out of the foundation's six-year-old Naperville Hispanic Festival. Naperville Sister Cities Foundation Chair Patty Gustin said the expansion aims to represent more of the cultures that call Naperville home.
"With today's political divide, it is more important than ever to keep our local community united by celebrating all cultures through song, dance, food, and recognition of those who make Naperville a place to call home," Gustin told Patch.
The confirmed lineup includes Natya Dance Academy, McNulty Irish Dancers (a Naperville institution founded in 1971), Veselicka Ensemble and Veselicka Children's Ensemble, and Mariachi Gavilanes Band. Beyond the stage, vendors will sell international cuisine, handmade art and traditional goods. Kids can join art activities hosted by Pinot Pallet, and adults can sample Moldova-imported wines. The festival will also include a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Gustin said the foundation expects to double the Hispanic Festival's roughly 800-person capacity to as many as 1,600 visitors throughout the day. Extended hours came from six years of participant feedback and are meant to give merchants and vendors a stronger return on their time.
The foundation is actively recruiting sponsors and volunteers. Sponsors receive logo placement on the main stage backdrop, live emcee mentions and recognition during opening ceremonies. Interested residents can email [email protected].
Cost and access: Admission is free. Parking and accessibility details for Central Park on Sept. 12 have not been announced. Check the festival website for updates.
Naperville calendar: Aug. 7–9
Saturday, Aug. 8
- Naper Settlement USA 250 Hometown Picnic. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 523 S. Webster St. Lawn games, food and living history demonstrations across the 13-acre campus. As we reported July 22, the picnic shares the date with the rescheduled fireworks show.
- Naperville Community Fireworks Show. 9:30 p.m., Frontier Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Dr. Rescheduled from July 4 due to weather. Free admission and parking; overflow at Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St. No pre-fireworks concert this year. (Positively Naperville)
Sunday, Aug. 9
- Naperville Neighborly Day. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., West Chicago Avenue between Washington and Main streets. Free block party organized by DuPagePads; the event was formerly called Old Naperville Day. Live music from School of Rock Naperville, Tres Moustache, OMT and headliner Maggie Speaks. Free bags tournament (sign up before 2 p.m.), 50/50 raffle and Kids Kampus activities for ages 12 and under. (Chicago Tribune)
- 29th Annual Rotary Ride. 6:30 a.m. start from Trek Bicycle Naperville, 3416 Rte. 59. Routes of 21, 41 and 62 miles. Proceeds benefit Grow Wellness Group, Little Friends and the YMCA.
